An exploratory analysis of community-based disability workers’ potential to alleviate poverty and promote social inclusion of people with disabilities in three Southern African countries |
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| Authors: | Ermien van Pletzen Margie Booyens Theresa Lorenzo |
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| Institution: | 1. Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa;2. Department of Social Development, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa;3. Disability Studies Programme, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa |
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| Abstract: | This article draws on accounts by community-based disability workers (CDWs) of their life and work experiences in resource-limited rural communities in Botswana, Malawi and South Africa. Using the World Health Organisation’s community-based rehabilitation (CBR) matrix and the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals as analytic frameworks, the article explores CDWs’ potential to contribute to improving the lives and increasing the levels of social, economic and political inclusion of people with disabilities, their families and communities. The article argues that CDWs’ knowledge, experience and understanding of disability in resource-limited communities may constitute an important local resource for helping to address the inter-related effects of poverty and disability in developing countries. |
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| Keywords: | community-based disability workers poverty rural communities MDGs CBR matrix Southern Africa |
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